Advice for New Writers
Just between you and me: multi-tasking gets harder with age
There was a time when I could work out on one of those fancy NordicTrack ellipticals or other exercise equipment, listen to a CD on my walkman (sure, I’m old; never owned an iPod), interview a fellow exerciser, and take notes for the interview profile practically all at the same time.
These days, if the cat’s […]
Never underestimate the power of well-written ad copy
In the “real” world, there would be absolutely no market for diet pills. In the “real” world, losing weight simply means eating less food and getting more exercise. Of course, in the world we live in, diet pills, diet plans, special foods, and various weight-loss groups still can’t accomplish lasting weight loss for most people.
In […]
Good research, careful observation may uncover surprising story ideas
Here’s an important lesson for beginning writers: Keep your eyes open, do your research, and you never know when something useful will pop up for your writing.
A few months ago I worked for awhile with a guy who used to do telemarketing for an online hotel reservation chain. You know the sort of business I […]
More about deadlines: Don’t panic, just get to work one task at a time
A deadline is only daunting if you 1) ignore it hoping it’ll somehow go away, or, 2) procrastinate. Well, sure, some deadlines are harder than others, because they may seem impossibly near, even if you’ve made a conscientious effort to work promptly and hard on them.
I have found that the best way to deal with […]
All writers need deadlines to give focus to their work
Some years ago I worked at a job that required meeting two daily deadlines. It was a newspaper. Between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. I had to meet a first-edition deadline and a second-edition deadline. The pace was fun and exciting — for the first couple of years.
After a year or two, […]
Writing seasonal stories? Deadlines make this whatever season you need it to be
When I look out the windows on a snowy street scene in mid- to late-December, I find it easy to think and write about Christmas. I’m sure you do, too.
But what about trying to come up with copy for Halloween invitations or New Year’s Eve stories in mid-July? Does that pose more of a challenge […]
‘Speed writing’ may be the tip you need if you’re fighting writer’s block
Here’s another of those simple, basic writing tips you may already know — or you may be overlooking. I hope it’s helpful. In a word: Speed writing.
Okay, I cheated. That’s two words, but it’s a simple and effective way to start a writing session anytime you simply can’t get the words flowing and get started […]
Number one rule for dealing with issues related to writing style — consistency
My wife, Shirley, is a professional proofreader with about 20-25 years experience in professional proofreading. I’m emphasizing “professional” here because I want you to appreciate her expertise. She spent about 15 years working as a proofreader for a major religious publishing house. She presently does about half-time work for them doing freelance proofreading. She has […]
Remember that copywriting ‘assignment’? Here’s what I would do …
One day last week I posted a suggestion for those of you who are copywriters or copywriter “wannabes” to tell me what approach you would take if you were asked to write ad copy to sell a high-end piece of medical ID jewelry.
I didn’t get many responses, but those of you who did respond publicly […]
I’ve never paid much attention to ‘ergonomics,’ but I do now
My manly “machismo” probably is driving this statement: Worrying about how and where I sit while writing on my computer has always seemed silly to me. “Real men” (and “real women”) can pound those keyboards anywhere and scoff at such silliness as “ergonomically correct” workstations or whatever.
Wow, I have changed that attitude completely in the […]
Basic principle: The only ’shortcut’ to writing success is to write more
Not to be nagging about this, but what I’ve said before I’ll say again — if you want to be a successful writer there is no substitute for writing, writing frequently, writing daily, and writing as much as you can write.
I thought about this as I was reading more than writing during this past week. […]
Is it a simile or is it a metaphor? Who remembers how to tell?
That last post I made about the expression “put your [fill in the blank] on steroids” prompted a discussion with my wife, Shirley, about whether that is a simile or a metaphor. (If you reread my post, you’ll see I made a quick “cop out” by saying the word steroids was “used metaphorically.” Confession time […]
As a writer, what do you prefer — laptop or desktop, or do you have both?
There was a time when buying a laptop computer was only a dream or a some-day-when-I-succeed goal for writers. Those of you new to the business will have to trust me on this: Any sort of portable computer, notebook computer, laptop computer, whatever, was extremely expensive, very limited in features, and very awkward to use.
My […]
Back to the basics again: Get organized, schedule your time and writing wisely
In a recent post, we discussed the importance of organization and scheduling your writing efforts. I came up with a revolutionary way that works for me. It’s called a pocket organizer or calendar. Yes, truly “revolutionary” because it’s so “low-tech” in our world of computers and gadgets.
I don’t care whether you own the latest, cutting […]
Writers’ personality issues — booze, tobacco, drugs, and creativity
There’s a nasty stereotype of writers hunched over their keyboards in a smoke-filled room, planted firmly in “The Zone,” creating tons of material in marathon writing sessions alleviated only by booze, drugs, and an occasional glass of milk.
Or something like that.
You’ve seen such imagery in movies and novels, I’m sure. It’s the “bad boy/bad girl […]
